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Cooking for me is very stimulating. It combines equal portions art, science and adventure! Every new dish I prepare is like a journey of discovery which I feel like sharing with others, and hence this blog.

I’ve always loved cooking, first with my mother and then since marriage, with my mother-in-law. Both of them have taught me many of the dishes I’ve cooked and also encouraged my interest in learning about these dishes. While my mother’s cooking was mainly from south Karnataka, my mother-in-law’s is from the coast, mainly the Udupi/Kundapura region.

Since moving to the US, I’ve also been exposed to many other cuisines from around the world. Trying them at home, and making them a success has been a very satisfying experience.

I’ve modified many of the recipes that I’ve come across, either to make them vegetarian, or to make them easier to make, or even to make them more flavorful. Sometimes for all three!

I hope you find something you like in my blog. Do try these recipes and let me know if you like them. Your comments will be highly appreciated!

Super moist chocolate cupcake with buttercream frosting

As a mom of two kids my mind and heart always leans towards homemade cooking, not that we don’t eat out but my first preference goes to home cooked meal. When my kids ask for something I ask myself if I can do it at home before buying and this is one such thing I love to do! I not only get the satisfaction of knowing what goes inside it but when my kids show a thumbs up and gives a big tight hug all my efforts are worthwhile 😊

These cupcakes are so moist and tender that you can’t just eat one! Since oil and buttermilk is used, cupcake remains moist for 4-5 days at room temperature covered.

Chocolate Cupcake

Ingredients

3/4 cup -all-purpose flour

1/2 cup – unsweetened natural cocoa powder

3/4 teaspoon- baking powder

1/2 teaspoon -baking soda

1/4 teaspoon -salt

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1/2 cup – granulated sugar

1/2 cup – packed light brown sugar

1/3 cup -vegetable or canola oil/ any flavorless oil

2 teaspoons – pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup – buttermilk, at room temperature

Frosting: chocolate buttercream

Ingredients

1 cup– unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

2 and 1/2 cups- confectioners’ sugar. I personally prefer less sugar. You can add another cup depending on your sweet tooth.

1/2 cup-unsweetened natural or dutch-processcocoa powder

2-3 Tablespoons- heavy creamormilk

1/4 teaspoon– salt

2 teaspoons-pure vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Line a second pan with 3 to 4 liners – this recipe makes about 15-16 cupcakes. Set aside.

Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk or beat the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla together until completely smooth. Pour half of the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Then half of the buttermilk. Gently whisk for a few seconds. Repeat with the remaining wet ingredients and buttermilk. Stir until just combined; do not overmix. The batter will be thin.

Pour or spoon the batter into the liners. Fill only halfway to avoid spilling over the sides or sinking.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

Frosting:

With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment beat the butter on medium speed until creamy – about 2 minutes. Add confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, heavy cream or milk, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to high speed and beat for 1 full minute. Add 1/4 cup more confectioners’ sugar or cocoa powder if frosting is too thin or another Tablespoon of cream if frosting is too thick.